Paul Stoecker, who served as the head football coach at Cazenovia High School, passed away at the age of 90.
Stoecker was born in Cazenovia, New York, to Francis and Emma Stoecker on April 2, 1935.
He graduated from LeMoyne College and later served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Berlin Crisis and in the U.S. Army Reserves.
In his late 20s, he was tossing a football around with a friend at Lakeside Park in Cazenovia when Sam Volo, the longtime head football coach, spotted him and asked if he’d like to coach.
Within days, Paul was hired as a football coach and social studied teacher at Cazenovia High School, where he taught, coached wrestling and girls’ track, and coached football for 43 years.
Community Is Mourning The Tragic Death Of Paul Stoecker
Paul Anthony Stoecker tragically passed away on March 17, 2026, at the age of 90.
Steven Riedl took to the official Facebook handle to announce the tragic news.
On Tuesday we lost a great coach and a legend in Cazenovia. Coach Paul Stoecker passed away at 90 years old. I will never forget his halftime motivational speeches and his daily commitment to football and teaching. Rip Coach.
Steven Riedl
Mark Schwarz, a former Delivery Driver at UPS and graduet of North Syracuse High School wrote,
I served with Paul in the army reserves
Mark Schwarz
In the comment section, Ron Peters, a graduate of Syracuse University mourned the tragic loss.
Great guy- never would have believed he was 90.
Ron Peters
Moreover, Brian Gentile, a former Field Service Technician at R. Brooks & Associates wrote,
So sorry for your loss.
Brian Gentile
Other close ones and relatives have also offered their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Paul’s family to stay strong in this difficult time.
A memorial service will be held in Paul’s hometown of Cazenovia, NY, later this spring.
Instead of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Paul’s honor to be sent to Caz Cares or the Cazenovia Area Volunteer Ambulance Corps (CAVAC).
Rest in Peace, Paul Stoecker.
Paul Stoecker Is Survived By His Wife, Barbara And Three Children
Coach Paul Stoecker met his wife, Barb in 1966. She was a fellow teacher in Cazenovia and within a year, they were married.
For nearly 59 years, they navigated life together with their three children.
They had three adoring children, Heidi Wood (Brent), Amy Littman (Alan), and Jeff Stoecker (Steve Eggleston).
Paul and Barb also had six grandchildren, Matthew, Katie, Morgan, Peter, Max, and Gabe.
They are mourning the tragic death of Paul Stoecker.
